NATO chopper bursts into flames in Tagab: witness

MEHMOOD RAQI (PAN): A NATO helicopter crashed in central Kapisa province on Thursday, but no fatalities were reported, the alliance said, but a public representative said the Taliban shot it down.

The aircraft was shot down by militants in the Mohimkhel area of Tagab district, Kapisa council head, Mohammad Hussain Sanjni, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

An area resident, Abdul Raqib, said the rebels fired rockets at the aircraft soon after a clash between them and security forces broke out on Thursday in the Jaubyar area. “I saw the helicopter burst into flames,” he added.

Tagab district police chief Col. Mohammad Anwar said it remained unclear whether the helicopter had made an emergency landing or involved an enemy activity.

In response to an email, ISAF confirmed the crash in Taqab, saying it was in the process of assessing facts surrounding the incident. “However, all the crew members are safe as no injury was reported," the ISAF statement said, adding the crash site had been cordon off.

The force promised further details, pending to an ongoing investigation into the incident.

However, the statement had not details of the type of helicopter involved or the number of troops aboard.